Uganda: Displaced in Adjumani

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Created 08/12/2008 - 01:00

Atrocities committed by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) against the local population in northern Uganda, along with over two decades of conflict between the Government of Uganda and the LRA, have forced more than 1.5 million people to flee their homes. The majority of displaced people in northern Uganda have been living in camps located in the Acholi sub-region. However, there are other areas in the north, like Adjumani district in the West Nile sub-region, where tens of thousands of local people also fled their homes as a result of the conflict with the LRA.

[1]Arinyapi IDP Camp: We visited Arinyapi camp in Adjumani and spoke with displaced people about the current conditions in the camp. We also discussed the possibilities of returning to their original homes now that there have been two years of peace negotiations.[2]Leader in Arinyapi IDP Camp: 6,700 displaced people are currently living in Arinyapi. This leader tells us that access to food remains a major issue, particularly since the land around the camp is unsuitable for farming and they do not receive any food rations.[3]Working in Arinyapi IDP Camp: Most people here are too worried about the possibilities of violence to return home. There is also fear that farm land in the return areas have been mined. With no food assistance, the displaced must find alternate ways to make money in order to buy food.[4]Elderly IDP Man: Accessing assistance is much more difficult for displaced people who are elderly or disabled. This man told us that he had been living alone in the camp for three years. He has no family and must depend on the kindness of his neighbors to give him food.[5]Displaced Family in Arinyapi Camp: Despite difficult conditions, displaced people here are too fearful to return home. But for those who eventually do go home, international agencies will need to assist them with livelihood activities and rebuilding basic services in their home areas.

Refugees International (RI) advocates for lifesaving assistance and protection for displaced people and promotes solutions to displacement crises.
We are an independent organization, and do not accept any government or UN funding.